An autistic artist says his paintings allow him to cope with “the intensity of life” as he launches his biggest and most prestigious solo exhibition at a Suffolk studio.
Tom Coomber began painting when he was a toddler and has found solace in the craft as a way of escaping and expressing the world as he experiences.
As a neurodivergent artist, he experiences the world more intensely than others, and his expressive paintings have been shortlisted for The Royal Academy of Arts for their unique flair and sold in the US and across the UK.
The World Will Keep Turning by Tom Coomber. (Image: Tom Coomber) On Friday, he held a solo exhibition at Fox Yard Studios in Stowmarket after winning a competition an open call competition in 2024.
“I enjoy art because it is a way I can express the intensity of life,” said the 28-year-old.
“I’ve done so many paintings now, I think I’ve lost count.
“I’m very excited about this exhibition and very proud.”
American clothing brand Teddy Fresh is now using Mr Coomber’s designs for a new range of t-shirts. (Image: Contributed) The Suffolk artist lives with his mother Ruthie Cee, in Needham Market, who says she is “unbelievably proud” of her son.
Ms Cee said: “It is a huge achievement for any artist to have a solo show, let alone at his age.
“He has been underestimated throughout his life and now he has this huge thing happening.
“I remember during his GCSEs he would go upstairs to paint to get over the stress of the day.
The Tom Coomber exhibition was launched at Fox Yard Studio on Friday. (Image: Tom Coomber) “The whole process just gives him tremendous satisfaction and relief really.
“Because there is so much moving in his mind, when he paints, his paintings do seem to be moving.”
Mr Coomber’s paintings include vivid depictions of Neptune Marina in Ipswich, Tidemill Yacht Harbour in Woodbridge and various Suffolk landscapes.
Mr Coomber with his mother, Ruthie Cee. (Image: Tom Coomber)“I remember when we were walking through Neptune Marina, he was looking at everything and taking it in”, added his mother.
“Then he came downstairs, and we were blown away by the painting.
Tom Coomber’s painting of Neptune Marina (Image: Tom Coomber) “It makes sense as the marina is a busy and overwhelming place, with all the boats constantly moving, all the sounds and smells, it all had to come out.
“He was reluctant to show us at first, but now, he has come so far with showing us all his work.”
The exhibition will be at Fox Yard Studios until Saturday and opening times can be found on their website.